Bears still have $24 million in salary cap space

After a flurry of veteran transactions — including the trade of Greg Olsen, the release of Brandon Manumaleuna and the addition of players such as Roy Williams, Marion Barber, Amobi Okoye, Chris Spencer and Vernon Gholston — the Bears are still $24 million under the salary cap of $120 million, according to two league sources.

After a flurry of veteran transactions — including the trade of Greg Olsen, the release of Brandon Manumaleuna and the addition of players such as Roy Williams, Marion Barber, Amobi Okoye, Chris Spencer and Vernon Gholston — the Bears are still $24 million under the salary cap of $120 million, according to two league sources.

Entering free agency, the Bears were among the top five teams in the league, in terms of space, with $34 million.

Despite the volume of players, the Bears handed out mostly modest, short-term deals. They also kept their own, signing starters like Anthony Adams and Nick Roach, and adding other key role players like punter Adam Podlesh, tight end Matt Spaeth and receiver Sam Hurd.

Although they have plenty of space, the Bears can use up much of it with an expected extension of running back Matt Forte soon and other extensions for players later in the season.